The Big Day

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What to expect

Bloomsbury presents The Big Day by Aliya Ali-Afzal, read by Aasiya Shah.

THE BIG DAY is a big delight... I was rooting for Noor and Dan and their happy ever after throughout. It was a wonderful read' – Cesca Major

***

A funny, heartwarming and page-turning novel about a British-Asian mother and daughter, who clash over the plans for the bride's Big Day.

Noor has no interest in getting married (much to the aunties' distress). Growing up she saw first-hand how divorce tears families apart... But then, she falls in love.

Soon, Noor’s engaged and planning an intimate wedding that feels perfect for her and her fiancé Dan. But when Noor discovers her mother Leena also has grand plans for the Big Day, their once-close relationship starts to unravel. Noor can’t understand why Leena is determined to have an elaborate Desi celebration when their lives have been anything but traditional. And after a lifetime following other people’s dreams, Noor is determined not to back down.

As Leena and Noor clash over every point on their to-do lists, it begins to look like there will be two weddings and only one bride. And when family secrets shake the women’s bond further, will there even be a wedding at all?

***

Praise for Aliya Ali-Afzal:

'Uplifting and joyous... A refreshing new voice in commercial fiction' Cosmopolitan

'Warm, intelligent [...] and keeps up the tension right till the end' Sophie Kinsella

'A fresh take on domestic dynamics and moral dilemma' Clare Mackintosh

'I devoured this book' Sarah Pearse

'Tense, funny, poignant and very clever' Claire Douglas

Critics Review

So charming, funny and a pleasure to read. I totally see why Aliya has been called a refreshing new voice
Jessica George, author of My Name is Maame
THE BIG DAY is a big delight... I was rooting for Noor and Dan and their happy ever after throughout. It was a wonderful read
Cesca Major
This book packs a full punch of emotions - I laughed, I groaned, I cringed, but most of all, I fell in love with Noor, her family, and her culture. A beautiful celebration that I wish I could relive all over again
Jesse Q. Sutanto, USA Today Bestselling author of Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
Aliya writes books that literally have it all... Nail-biting tension, laugh out loud humour and razor-sharp intelligence... There is enough heart and wisdom in this novel to keep you feeling warm and fuzzy long after you have finished reading
Sairish Hussain
A hilarious, big-hearted tale grappling with the delights and pressures facing British-Pakistani women today. Ali-Afzal is the desi answer to Sophie Kinsella
Mehwish Hayat, Ms Marvel actress
Aliya is such an intelligent, observant writer and The Big Day is multi-layered genre fiction at its best. It is funny and propulsive but weighted in truth and real issues. Aliya has such a strong voice and her brilliant cast of characters are nuanced and clearly drawn. A real page turner for a weekend’s distraction or a great holiday read too
Kate Sawyer
The characters are drawn superbly and the story is as much a study on what it is to navigate modern life while keeping a steady hand on the tiller of tradition and expectation. It is a story of identity and culture and most of all love - in all it's guises
Faith Hogan
Ali-Afzal’s narrative is a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging cultural gaps and sparking conversations about identity and generational differences
DESIblitz
Captivating and funny
The Sunday Post
A testament to the power of love, forgiveness, and understanding, and a highly recommended read for everyone
Ananke Magazine
[Aliya Ali-Afzal] has a strong ability to connect situations, characters, and emotions to a wide arrange of cross-cultural readers, from all age brackets
Eastern Eye
A joyous, funny, heart-warming and sensitive page-turner of a novel that will appeal to different generations
Eastern Eye
PRAISE FOR WOULD I LIE TO YOU?:

'Warm, intelligent [...] and keeps up the tension right till the end' Sophie Kinsella

'I just fell into this and couldn't stop... The writing is so fresh and light; funny in places, but moving in others... I'll be recommending it to everyone I know' Sarah Pearse

'A refreshing new voice in commercial fiction... Uplifting and joyous' Cosmopolitan

'Not just entertaining, but intelligent and original too [...] and the resourceful Faiza will steal your heart' Lesley Kara

'A fresh take on domestic dynamics and moral dilemma... Perfect for reading groups'
Clare Mackintosh

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